What’s inside
USS Michael Murphy to hold third change of command today > A- 2
March 18, 2016
JBPHH to host Tsunami Awareness One-Mile Walk to Safety, April 1 > A- 7
Mentalist Craig Karges performs at Sharkey Theater >B-1
Medical Group beats Old Bulls to avenge loss >B-3
www.cnic.navy.mil/hawaii www.hookelenews.com
Volume 7 Issue 10
USS Oklahoma Sailor from World War II to be buried today at Punchbowl Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Public Affairs
The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has announced that the remains of a U.S. serviceman from World War II have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Navy Ensign Lewis S. Stockdale, 27, of Anaconda, Montana, will be buried today at 1 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl, in Honolulu. On Dec. 7, 1941, Stockdale was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma suffered multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in 429 casualties, including Stockdale. USS Stockddale (DE
The USS Oklahoma Memorial is located on Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. 399) was names in his honor. Stockdale’s niece, Trudy Ritz, is among the family members planning to attend the ceremony. “I’m honored and excited,” she said. “I’ve looked forward to this day since I first learned my uncle was taken away
from me as a child. I think the whole family feels the same way.” From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries. In September 1947,
tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification
U.S. Navy photo
Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
(NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as “non-recoverable,” including Stockdale. In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the NMCP for analysis. To identify Stockdale’s remains, scientists from DPAA used circumstantial evidence and laboratory analysis, to include dental comparisons, which matched Stockdale’s records. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. For more information, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil or call (703) 699-1420.
PMRF, USS Chafee win Secretary of Navy Environmental Awards Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) are winners of the 2015 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award. Awardees were announced March 11 in Washington D.C. PMRF, Barking Sands, on Kauai won the award for Natural Resources (small installation) and USS Chafee (DDG 90) homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam won the Afloat Environmental Award. Both PMRF and USS Chafee were recently awarded with Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards on Feb. 22 which qualified them to advance, compete and win at the Secretary of the Navy Award level.
U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Gabrielle Joyner
U.S. Navy photo by MCC John M. Hageman
(Above left) The guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following a previous independent deployment to the Western Pacific in 2015. (Above right) A member of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) environmental program at Pacific Missile Range (PMRF) Facility, Barking Sands on Kauai, starts up the ornithology radar used to keep track of flight patterns of the Newell’s Shearwater. “These awards are the latest in a string of recognition that gives credence to our commitment to be good and caring stewards of the environment,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Sur-
face Group Middle Pacific. “I congratulate the men and women at PMRF and aboard USS Chafee, and I salute everyone on our team here in Hawaii — You are making a difference.” PMRF works with federal and state agencies,
schools, conservation organizations, the public and the host community to implement groundbreaking initiatives towards conservation, environmental protection and the protection of endangered species. Initiatives include but are not
limited to the Laysan alba- National Wildlife refuge on tross conservation program in which PMRF transfers See AWARDS page A-2 albatross eggs to Campbell
HSM-37 rescues stranded fishermen Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
Sailors from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, the Easyriders, rescued three stranded fishermen approximately 140 nautical miles southwest of Kona about 2:30 a.m. (HST), March 11. Joint Rescue Coordination Center Hawaii received two Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) alerts from Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) on board the 41-foot commercial fishing vessel Vicious Cycle and dispatched an MH60R Seahawk helicopter from HSM-37, based at Kaneohe Bay, to assist. The Coast Guard also launched an HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point. The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley (WMEC 39) and a fishing vessel operating in the vicinity diverted to assist. The teams found the fishermen adrift in a life raft. The HSM-37 aircrew hoisted them aboard for transport to Kalaeloa
Naval Air Crewman (Tactical Helicopter) 2nd Class Elijah Cash watches out the door of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the Easyriders of Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 37 as they conduct flight training operations over the island of Molokai. U.S. Navy photo by MCC John M. Hageman
Airport where they were then taken to Queen’s Medical Center for evaluation. “I am extremely proud of our Easyrider team’s ability to flex from a training mission to a life-saving search and rescue,” said Cmdr. Tony Chavez, HSM-37’s commanding officer. “These events happen fast and our nation’s heroes never skip a beat when callen upon to serve.” HSM-37 is the only helicopter maritime strike squadron in the Middle
Pacific (MIDPAC) region and provides a variety of helicopter services to MIDPAC-based combatant ships and submarines in addition to deploying operational detachments. HSM-37 detachments support all Pearl Harbor-based Arleigh Burkeclass destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The MH-60R’s primary missions are surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare prosecution
through utilization of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and MK-46/54 torpedoes. Secondary missions include search and rescue, medical evacuation, vertical replenishment, Naval surface fire support, and communications relay, command, control, communications, and command and control warfare. U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.
Brothers Osborne to perform March 21 at Club Pearl Joint Base Morale, Welfare and Recreation The Brothers Osborne will be performing a free concert at Club Pearl, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) on Monday, March 21. Presented by Navy Entertainment, the show will take place in the Paradise Lounge at 7:30 p.m. The country duo, consisting of brothers John and T.J., released their debut album “Pawn Shop” on Jan. 15 of this year. A song from the album, “Stay a Little Longer” reached the top of the country charts last year. The brothers were nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at last month’s Grammy Awards and were nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year by the Country Music Association last year. the Brothers Osborne are nominated for New Vocal Duo/Group of the Year and Vocal Duo of the Year, at the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards next month. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and admission is firstcome, first-served and no tickets will be issued. The concert is open to all military-affiliated Department of Defense cardholders and their guests. No video/audio recorders are authorized. Large bags or backpacks are not allowed and all purses are subject to search. No outside food or beverages is permitted, with the exception of the purchases made at the Taco Bell and Pizza Hut located in the facility. Paradise Lounge at Club Pearl is not air-conditioned. For more information, visit www.greatlifehawaii. com.
March 18, 2016
Ho‘okele A-2
USS Michael Murphy to hold third change of command today Ensign Kelly Lorentson
USS Michael Murphy Public Affairs Officer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) is scheduled to hold a change of command ceremony at Pier M3 today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The ceremony will mark the passage of command from Cmdr. Todd E. Hutchison to Cmdr. Robert A. Heely Jr. Hutchison, the ship’s third commanding officer, assumed command of USS Michael Murphy in September of 2014. During his
time in command, the ship’s more than 300 crewmembers excelled during its maiden deployment to 7th Fleet, completed a CNO Availability, and began the Training Cycle in preparation for the ship’s next deployment. For his next tour, Hutchison will serve as director for the Command At Sea Department (N75) at the Surface Warfare Officer’s School in Newport, Rhode Island. “It’s been the greatest honor of my ca-
reer to have been a part of Team Murphy, where I have had the privilege of working alongside many of the most dedicated, sional, and profesmotivated sailors in the United States Navy,” said Hutchison. “They have inspired
me each and every day, and I will never be able to thank them — and their families — enough for what they’ve sacrificed to ensure we were always ready to lead the fight.” Heely, Michael Murphy’s prospective commanding officer, has served as the ship’s executive officer for the past year and a half. His previous at sea assignments include USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Sampson (DDG 102), and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57),
while most of his time ashore has been spent in the Washington, D.C. area. USS Michael Murphy, commissioned in New York City in October, 2012, is named after Medal of Honor recipient Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy. Murphy was killed in action leading his SEAL element in the mountains of Afghanistan during Operation RED WINGS in June 2005. Editor’s note: See next week’s Ho‘okele for photos from the USS Michael Murphy change of command ceremony.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Sean Furey
Use JBPHH’s Recycling Center to decrease waste Environmental awards Story and photo by Denise Emsley
Continued from page A-1
NAVFAC Hawaii Public Affairs All personnel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) are invited to help reduce trash deliveries to Oahu’s landfills and H-Power Plant by participating in the base’s recycling program. “We collect and reuse a variety of materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics/glass, metals, and untreated pallets,” said Jerome Stribling, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii’s environmental protection specialist. “Our two, very convenient recycling locations are on the main base, one at building 1715 (Airfield near Kuntz Gate, and the other at building 159 (Waterfront) off Russell Avenue.” Not only can customers drop off recyclables at these locations; but Recycling Center personnel can picked up accepted items from pre-arranged points, including office areas, and/or collection bins, mini marts, and
A Recycling Center worker loads 50,000 lbs. of shredded paper into a shipping container at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to aid in delivering the recycled material to an offisland purchaser. piers throughout JBPHH. Commands and activities interested in establishing regular pickup service for their recyclables, or who need assistance in transporting large quantities of goods are encouraged to call the JBPHH Recycling Center at 474-9207. “To help you understand what items we do
and do not accept, we have a new brochure which also includes directions to the two recycling locations and when they are open for business,” said Stribling. “Our purpose is to assist in the reduction of your command’s waste stream which will save trash costs for the Department of Defense and reduce our
impact on island landfills.” The brochure is available on the following public websites: Navy Region Hawaii — http://ow.ly/ZDIZF. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam – http://ow.ly/ ZDJ1q. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii - http://ow.ly/ZDJ3n
Oahu providing new shelter and reducing the risk of aircraft strikes. The “Dark Sky” initiative, which directs the turning off of all non-essential exterior lighting on PMRF during the Newell shearwater, Hawaiian and band-rumped storm petrel migration season, has reduced “fallout” by these endangered birds that are naturally attracted to light. “Although the accolades are nice, I am much more satisfied knowing that the entire PMRF ohana takes their kuleana (responsibility) seriously. Respecting and protecting the aina (land) while running the premier training and test range is not just what we do, it is who we are,” said Capt. Bruce Hay, commanding officer, PMRF. Environmental protection and energy conservation were at the forefront of operations aboard USS Chafee in 2015, according to Cmdr. Shea Thompson, Chafee’s commanding officer. “We’re all thrilled to have been selected for this
award. We strive for efficiency in all aspects of our war-fighting operations and to be good stewards of our environment,” said Thompson. USS Chafee transited more than 37,000 miles on a seven-month deployment to the 3rd, 4th, and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility during 2015 while participating in the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative, Talisman Sabre 15, UNITAS PAC 15, and UNITAS LANT 15. USS Chafee conducted all operations with no impact to marine mammals and with safe and clean refueling operations. Both Chafee and PMRF have been involved in Great Green Fleet operations in recent years, and both commands continue to support energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Both PMRF and USS Chafee were also recently awarded with Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards on Feb. 22, which qualified them to advance, compete and win at the Secretary of the Navy Award level.
March 18, 2016
Ho‘okele A-3
‘Working to Form a More Perfect Union’ Women’s history inspires: personally and professionally
Rear Adm. John Fuller
What’s your dream car and why? Staff Sgt. Richard Baltazar
15th Maintenance Squadron “A Bugatti, because I hear rappers talk about it in songs. All the cool kids are doing it!”
HM2 Davis Cappabianca
Naval Health Clinic Hawaii “1968 GTO. The first car show my dad ever took me to there was a forest green GTO. I sat in it and wanted one ever since.”
HTFR Niaja Colleton
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard “A ‘69 Camaro. It’s old but it still has that zing.”
Master Sgt. Dustin Johnson
Joint Communications Support Element “I don’t have a dream car. My car gets me from point A to B.”
MM3 Symonne Patrick
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard “I don’t have a dream car. If it has AC and I can roll the windows down I’m good. When I first moved here I had a little island beater. Now I got a Nissan Sentra.”
AE1 Matthew Shields VP-4
“2002 Camaro 35th anniversary edition, which I already have.”
Staff Sgt. Chad Walker
5th Maintenance Squadron “My dream car is a Ford Bronco because my grandfather had one.”
Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific During Women’s History Month this year, we are reflecting on the theme “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.” Ask most people: “Who is a great inspiration to you?” and they are likely to say—as I do—“My mother.” Wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters and daughters create the “more perfect union” in our families. Everyday I appreciate the love, sacrifice and dedication I receive from the important women in my life. Many years ago, society, including our military, denied women the same opportunities as men. In recent decades, the Navy has opened more career opportunities regardless of gender. And today, women are embracing opportunities and seizing the success they can on a more level playing field. Wo m e n s h i p m a t e s —navigators, mechanics, federal workers, ship-drivers, aviators and many others—are working together as part of a more united team. I have benefitted in my professional life from the influence imparted on me by strong leaders and mentors, especially those more intangible attributes about how to demonstrate integrity when it would be easier to not stay on the high ground. Two senior Navy leaders in particular inspired me. And they continue to inspire Sailors throughout our Navy. Adm. Michelle Howard, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and Vice Adm.
Rear Adm. John Fuller Nora Tyson, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, are blazing trails. I worked for Adm. Howard at the Pentagon as part of the Littoral Combat Ship Council. Adm. Howard is our Navy’s first four-star admiral. She was 16 years old when the military opened up the service academies to women, and soon after she applied to the Naval Academy because it gave her options: Marines, naval aviation or surface warfare. She chose a career path beginning in the surface Navy, and in 1999 took command of USS Rushmore (LSD 47), one of the first groups of women COs to go to combatant ships. She served in Opera-
tions Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Joint Endeavor, tsunami relief operations, and maritime security and counter-piracy operations, as well as numerous joint assignments. Adm. Howard’s career reflects her commitment to excellence as a strong and caring leader. Our home-ported MIDPA C s h i p s f a l l u n d e r Vice Adm. Tyson, Third Fleet Commander, a position Adm. Halsey held in World War II. She earned her “wings” as a naval flight officer in 1983 and served at several naval air stations and as commander of USS Bataan (LHD 5). She led disaster Gulf Coast relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Vice Adm. Tyson deployed twice to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is the first woman to command a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier task group, which is where I met and served with her when I was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 22. B o t h a d m i r a l s p e rsonally witnessed doors opening that were previously closed to women.
Importantly, beginning early in their careers, both leaders prepared for success so they could walk through those doors. I think about our future leaders—women and men—as we work toward that “more perfect union.” Who will be the next trailblazer—not only in the surface Navy or naval aviation, but also in the submarine, cyber and special warfare communities or in another service or as a civilian? Women and men working together—along with our families—are part of the critical enablers who create the “perfect union,” our greatest advantage. I take great comfort in knowing that we are growing into a force that will judge based on the content of the individual’s character, leadership and performance, not gender. I think we should continue to strive for that perfect union created by individuals who share our Armed Services’ common commitment, values and purpose. We are stronger when we work together.
U.S. Navy photo by Chris Desmond
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michelle Howard, right, Commander Navy Recruiting Command Rear Adm. Annie B. Andrews, left, and Rear Adm. Lillian E. Fishburne (ret.) stand on stage Sept. 4, 2015 during NRC’s change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Mid-South. Howard, Andrews, and Fishburne are the first three African American female admirals in the Navy.
USS Higbee helps grounded French tanker In the foreground, the USS Higbee (DD-806) renders aid to the French tanker Arsione on Sept. 2, 1965. The tanker ran aground on Scarborough Shoals, 140 miles northwest of Manila, Republic of the Philippines. Higbee took aboard 30 survivors, 14 by helicopter and 16 by small boat. USS Higbee was the first combatant ship to be named after a woman, Lenah S. Higbee, one of the first women to serve formally as a member of the Navy. In 1909, Higbee was promoted to Chief Nurse at Norfolk Naval Hospital, and in 1911 she became the Superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps, serving throughout the duration of World War I. March is Women’s History Month.
CS3 Kevin Williams
USS Preble (DDG 88) “A Bentley. It symbolizes the success that I want. Right now I’m 23 and I would like to have nice things when I’m older. I know life is much more than material things, but at the same time, there’s nothing wrong with having a few toys.” Provided by Ensign Krystyna Nowakowski
Want to see your command featured in Diverse Views? Got opinions to share? Drop us a line at editor@hookelenews.com
Photo courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command
Temporary Makalapa Gate closure, tomorrow Makalapa Gate will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Saturday, March 19 and reopen at normal time on Sunday, March 20. The temporary closure is in support of ship wastewater pipe replacement along North Road. During this time, personnel should use either Nimitz or Halawa Gate to access Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Access to the Naval Health Clinic (closed on weekends) and Jewish Chapel will be maintained via the side road 150 feet north of the intersection of North Road and Makalapa Road.
Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Rear Adm. John V. Fuller
Director, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Agnes Tauyan
Chief of Staff Capt. Mark Manfredi
Deputy Director, Public Affairs Bill Doughty
Commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Capt. Stanley Keeve Jr. Deputy Commander Col. Richard Smith
Director, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Affairs Grace Hew Len
Managing Editor Anna Marie General Editor Don Robbins Assistant Editor Brandon Bosworth Sports Editor Randy Dela Cruz Sr. Graphic Artist Antonio Verceluz Graphic Artists Michelle Poppler Jay Parco
Ho‘okele is a free unofficial paper published every Friday by The Honolulu Star Advertiser 500 Ala Moana Boulevard Suite 7-500 Honolulu Hawaii 96813, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U. S. Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps, under exclusive contract with Commander, Navy Region Hawaii. All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the staff of the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office: 850 Ticonderoga, Suite 110, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 968604884. Telephone: (808) 473-2888; fax (808) 473-2876; e-mail address: editor@hookelenews.com World Wide Web address: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Hawaii/ or www. hookelenews.com. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication primarily for members of the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps military services and their families in Hawaii. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U. S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.
The civilian publisher, The Honolulu Star Advertiser, is responsible for commercial advertising, which may be purchased by calling (808) 521-9111. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products and services advertised by the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii or The Honolulu Star Advertiser. Everything advertised in this paper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Ho‘okele is delivered weekly to Navy & Air Force housing units and Navy and Air Force installations throughout Oahu.
March 18, 2016
Ho‘okele A-4
Island-wide command indoctrination program helps service members Story and photo by MC2 Jeffrey Troutman
Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii A five-day course teaches attendees about local culture, as well as available command programs and services to make their transition to island life easier. “A lot of folks don’t know about many of the services and programs available to them when they arrive here on the island, and it can be overwhelming,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Jaime Rapada, lead coordinator of the indoctrination course. “This course is a way for them to familiarize themselves with what is available here on the base or on the island and where to go if they need something, like a vehicle registration, legal services or emergency services.” Rapada said the transition to living life on an island, even for someone who has lived in the United States their entire life, can be overwhelming at first, and knowing where to go or what to do as they adjust to their new life is the entire purpose of the command indoctrination program.
Service members and their families attend an island-wide command indoctrination class at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “It can be a culture shock moving to Hawaii, just like when you join a command located in another country,” said Rapada. “Having a wellrounded indoctrination program soon after you arrive to the island helps give service members and their families a lay of the land, and teaches them the do’s and don’ts of island life.” New to the indoctrination program is a tour of the island, which takes service members around the island of Oahu and shows them how to find and
access popular attractions like Diamond Head State Monument and the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore. “This course has been very informative, as far as helping me adjust to moving here,” said Pvt. 1st Class Brodrick Conniff. “Naturally, I’m looking forward to the island tour the most, but this course has also been a great help when it comes to budgeting, where to buy a vehicle and how to get all of my paperwork in order for my command.”
“A command sponsor can only show you so much, and arriving to a place as different as Hawaii can be a challenge for many people,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Christian Marasigan. “This course puts people new to the island in the same room and gives you a great opportunity to meet new faces and network, as well as giving you a lot of information on how to get properly situated here.” Marasigan said he hoped to see other military bases in his ongoing career provide an in-
doctrination course as in-depth as the JBPHH course, because it can go a long way towards starting someone’s transition to a new place on a positive note. “There’s so much great information put out to those of us who are new here to the island,” said Marasigan. “It really informs you about the Hawaiian culture and gets you familiarized with local customs.” Rapada said he is looking forward to further improving the indoctrination course during his time in Hawaii, so that others who move to Hawaii are given better opportunities to learn more about their new surroundings. “Whenever you go to an indoctrination course in a foreign country, there’s always a good deal of information about life outside the base to encourage people to explore their surroundings,” said Rapada. “That’s what we’re aiming for here, too. We want people to learn about what the Hawaiian islands have to offer when they first arrive here, so they can enjoy their experience to the fullest.” For more information about events in and around JBPHH, visit: www.greatlifehawaii .com/
2016 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicks off at JBPHH Tech Sgt. Terri Paden
15th Wing Public Affairs The 2016 Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) is in full swing after a kickoff celebration at Nelles Chapel, March 14. Campaign organizers, keyworkers and wing leadership attended the breakfast event, which also gave attendees the opportunity to be the first contributors to this year’s campaign. The six-week event, which runs from March 21 through April 29, is an annual fundraiser for charitable organizations that provide support to the Air Force community,
including active duty, reservists, Air Guard Airmen, their families and retirees. “When we talk about being good wingmen and Airmen helping Airmen, this is exactly that,” said Master Sgt. Jeremy Thomas, 15th Wing A FA F p r o j e c t o f f i c e r. “All the money donated comes right back to us. Even if you’ve never used Air Force Aide before, but maybe you know someone or have supervised someone who has, then your donations directly contributed to helping those people out.” 2nd Lt. Nathan Shaick, 15th Wing AFAF al-
ternate project officer, said he’s excited to be working with the campaign this year because it’s such good cause. “I’ve only been in the Air Force one year and I’ve already seen the Air Force Aide Society help one of my Airmen,” he said. “This is a great agency and they provide a service that’s unmatched by any other agency. There is no way my Airman would have gotten the funds together to get home during his emergency situation without Air Force Aide.” Though every dollar counts, Shaick said ensuring each Airman is contacted and offered an
opportunity to donate is the primary goal for the campaign. Unit AFAF keyworkers will be in charge of providing information for their unit personnel and distributing and collecting the donation forms. Donors are encouraged to learn more about the charities that AFAF supports and can find their website links a t w w w. a f a s s i s t a n c e fund.org. Col. Randy Huiss, 15th Wing commander, signs the first Air Force Assistance Fund donation pledge. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Stoltz
March 18, 2016
Ho‘okele A-5
(Left) Gen. Lori Robinson, commander Pacific Air Forces, visited Australian Air Force bases and units from March 7 to 17 to discuss capability matters with Royal Australian Air Force counterparts. Robinson also addressed the Biennial Air Power Conference in Canberra. Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Sgt. Pete Gammie
(Right) Photographer MCC (SW) John M. Hageman frames a beach in Molokai as the Easyriders of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37 conduct flight training operations March 8 over the island. As the only HSM squadron in the Middle Pacific (MIDPAC) region, the Easyriders provide a variety of helicopter services to MIDPAC based ships in addition to deploying detachments. U.S. Navy photo by MCC John M. Hageman
(Below) An aerial view of the USS Arizona Memorial at Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. U.S. Navy photo by MCC John M. Hageman
(Right) Chief Hospital Corpsman Shawn Cox, assigned to Naval Health Clinic Hawaii, delivers instructions to third class petty officers assigned to various commands throughout the island of Oahu during the March 2016 Navy-wide 2nd class petty officer advancement examination at the Club Pearl Liberty Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, March 10. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Johans Chavarro
(Left) In celebration of the Navy Medical Corps 145th birthday, Naval Health Clinic Hawaii hosted a birthday cake cutting ceremony at the Makalapa Clinic at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, March 3. Rear Adm. Colin Chinn, surgeon, U.S. Pacific Command and Lt. Michael Finnern, undersea medical officer, Naval Health Clinic Hawaii cut the ceremonial birthday cake. U.S. Navy photo by Susan Schultz
March 18, 2016
Ho‘okele A-6
Great Green Fleet visits Korea for port visit March 18, 2016
Mass Communication Seaman Apprentice Dakota Rayburn USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
BUSAN, South Korea — The John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG), the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy’s Great Green Fleet (GGF) initiative, arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for a scheduled port visit March 13. USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) moored in Busan. The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) settled in Mokpo and the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) is in Donghae. Chung-Hoon is homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. L o c a l c h i l d r e n w e lcomed the strike group with a ceremonial gift exchange in Busan, followed by a press conference with Commander, John C. Stennis Strike Group Rear Adm. Ron Boxall
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wesley J. Breedlove
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) pulls into the the pier of Korea Fleet base in Busan. and Commander, Naval lationship enjoyed by the Forces Korea Rear Adm. U.S. and ROK navies. Korea is a major fuel Bill Byrne. Stennis will host guided tours for more hub for U.S. Navy vesthan 1,200 locals while in sels in 7th Fleet area port to enhance partner- of operations. JCSSG ships, develop goodwill has spent the first two and create friendships in months of its deployment the area. using an alternative fuel Coordination for this blend consisting of 10 port visit has been in the percent biofuel manuworks for a long time, factured from animal fat highlighting the close re- mixed with standard pe-
Hickam FTAC hosts USCG during joint-service class Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stoltz
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Affairs The First Term Airmen Center (FTAC) recently had the opportunity to inform and enhance the lives of United States Coast Guard members they hosted nine Coast Guard in their most recent classes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The cross-service education marks the beginning of a partnership between the Air Force and Coast Guard where the FTAC will provide their curriculum to Coast Guardsmen who are relatively new to their service. “The Coast Guard approached us about attending FTAC,” said Master Sgt. Rebecca Pash, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam career assistance advisor. “We had eight students in the first class, and one during the most-current course. They add a dynamic to our course and we know this ongoing partnership will serve to enhance the learning experience of both the students and the instructors.” According to Pash, many of the students claim they wish they had the opportunity to take the class sooner. During the weeklong course, FTAC instructors and guest speakers brief Airmen (and now Coast Guard) on topics including financial management, effective communication concepts, legal guidance, enlisted force structure and
Commander of Republic of troleum-based fuel. The ships are also using operational procedures and energy conservation measures to increase capability and adaptability. “By transforming energy use and awareness, we become a more flexible fighting force—whether in the waters around Korea or in the waters we sail around the globe,” said
Boxall. During their time in Korea, JCSSG Sailors have the opportunity to explore the region, participate in community relations (COMREL) events, and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) tours. Whatever they decide to do, Sailors will have the chance to learn more about the culture and practices of one of the U.S. greatest allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. “I’m looking forward to the trip to the DMZ,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd class Alex Perez, from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. “I never thought I’d ever make it over to Korea, but I’m happy that I finally will.” While some Sailors are excited for exploring the nearby areas, other Sailors are excited for the native cuisine. “I can’t wait to try the food,” said Engineman Fireman Steven Bressler, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “I’ve never had Korean food before so this is going to be a pretty exciting experience.” JCSSG will participate
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with the ROK navy in Exercise Foal Eagle, an annual training exercise that incorporates scenarios such as gunnery exercises, communication drills, dynamic ship maneuvers, logistical rehearsals, salvage training and liaison officer exchanges between the two navies. The strike group is comprised of Stennis with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 embarked Chung-Hoon, Stockdale, William P. Lawrence, and Mobile Bay. CVW-9 consists of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, Airborne Early Warning S q u a d r o n ( VAW ) 11 2 , Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 and Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 151, 97, 41, 14. Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment.
other skills which will help them transition from the “tech-school” mentality to an “active-duty” one. Beyond the informative briefings and lessons learned during class, the students have the chance to do something almost as important as arming oneself with knowledge — network. “I would say the networking and meeting other new service members is a great benefit of FTAC,” said Pash. “We hold approximately 22 classes per year averaging 15-20 students per class, and classes are usually held every other week. This gives the students the chance to meet their peers from other career fields, which will help them down the road in a litany of situations.” Coast Guard member Bryce Wilson, who currently is a non-rate, (his job has not been formally assigned to him yet) has been stationed Hawaii for several months and said the class served as a great tool to help him become a better service member. “The class taught me concepts of effective communication between peers and their supervisor,” he said. “Learning how to communicate effectively will greatly benefit not just the supervision aspect of my career, but simple interactions throughout it as well.” “Everyone was welcoming, and I would recommend this class to any of my fellow Coasties,” he said. “The whole class is informative and is the perfect starting point for any military member.”
JBPHH to host Tsunami Awareness One-Mile Walk to Safety, April 1 The walk event will Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public s t a r t i n c o n j u n c t i o n with the sound of the Affairs 11 : 4 5 a . m . m o n t h l y In honor of the Na- s t a t e - w i d e t s u n a m i t i o n a l P r e p a r e d n e s s warning test. TransporMonth, Joint Base Pearl tation will be provided Harbor-Hickam will back to the starting h o s t i t s a n n u a l Ts u - point for participants. n a m i O n e - M i l e Wa l k The “One-Mile Walk to Safety, starting at to Safety” is designed 11:30 a.m. on April 1 at to show that if particithe Aloha Aina Park, pants are able to comnear Wright Brothers p l e t e t h e w a l k , t h e n Café, and finish at the they should be able to Hickam Fitness Center. walk from a tsunami
zone into a safe tsunami evacuation area. Registration is not required in order to participate in the event. All base personnel are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Staff Sgt. Sally Mason at 808-4482760 or email at sally. mason@us.af.mil or Senior Airman Mylene Alarcon at 808-448-2753 or email at mylene.alarcon@us.af.mil.
Culinary Specialist 2nd Class David Johnson, left, and Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jasmine Bencid, both members of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) color guard, raise the USS Nevada (BB 36) battleship flag during a commemoration ceremony for the ship’s 100th anniversary of its commissioning at the USS Nevada memorial on JBPHH, March 11.
Joint Base commemorates USS Nevada 100th anniversary Story and photo by MC1 Phillip Pavlovich
Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stoltz
Participants from last year’s walk make their way down to Signer Boulevard.
Joint Base Pearl Harb o r- H i c k a m ( J B P H H ) held a flag raising ceremony at the USS Nevada Memorial commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning March 11. During the ceremony, the USS Nevada (BB-36) Battleship flag was raised over the memorial while simultaneously a similar flag raising ceremony was being held in Nevada state capitol Carson City. “That was a good ship,” said Jim Taylor, Navy Region Hawaii Pearl Harbor survivor liaison, who delivered the opening remarks. “They had a tre-
mendous crew. They got that ship underway on a Sunday morning with half the crew ashore.” The commemoration ceremony at Carson City, Nev. for the USS Nevada, commissioned on March 11, 1916, was organized by John Galloway, head of the Battleship Nevada Remembrance Project. “The organization was created to honor a ship that is relatively unknown in history,” said Galloway. “This ceremony means everything to me.” “Getting the ship underway, while taking fire and putting out fire was an incredible event,” said Taylor. “I hope the people here watching the ceremony go home and Google the Nevada or get a book about it. It was an amazing ship. If this ceremony
encourages just one person to seek out more information about this ship I would be very happy.” During the attack on Pearl Harbor the Nevada got underway with only a portion of its crew onboard. After the ship was hit by Japanese torpedoes and fearing the ship might sink and block the channel, its crew beached the battleship at Hospital Point on JBPHH. “This was a rewarding experience,“ said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class David Johnson, a member of the color guard for the ceremony. “It’s mind boggling to think about what the crew of the Nevada went through. It’s very easy to sympathize with what happened especially if you went through a similar experience such as a fire.”
March 18, 2016
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Mentalist
Craig Karges
performs at
Sharkey Theater
Story and photos by Gaea Armour
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Entertainer and mentalist Craig Karges took the stage on March 13 at Sharkey Theater, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Presented by Navy Entertainment and JBPHH Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), this was his third performance at JBPHH. Sharkey Theater was filled with patrons from active-duty servicemen and retirees to spouses, children and Department of Defense employees. Navy spouse Janie Senishin volunteered as Karges’ assistant during a balloon and plastic cup trick. “It’s unbelievable, he has magical powers,” she said. “My unforgettable moment was when he was blindfolded three times while naming items volunteers were holding. Maybe he’s got a third eye.” Karges entertained the audience for over an hour. Patrons of all ages volunteered to participate either on stage or from the audience. His act consisted of mental exercises, making predictions and reading minds, bending metals such as linking wedding rings, guessing personal information from the audience such as their first name and phone numbers and his famous table levitation trick. The show included frequent interaction with the audience. Simple props such as a pen and notebook, tables, plastic cups, a balloon and a blindfold were used during his performance. “It was very interesting,” said Paul Newman, a Navy WWII veteran who celebrated his 90th birthday on the same day. Newman’s family and friends accompanied him that evening and also said they enjoyed the show. Craig Karges is expected to come back to JBPHH to give another performance in the future.
Mentalist Craig Karges stages an interactive show at Sharkey Theater.
March 18, 2016
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Pearl Harbor’s World War II-era submarine chapel renews weekly services Story and photo by MC2 Michael H. Lee
Pacific Submarine Force Public Affairs After a decades-long absence of traditional worship, families now have the chance to join together at one of the most historic houses of devotion at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The congregation hopes to bring new life and attention to the Submarine Memorial Chapel by holding weekly Sunday morning services. “It’s the oldest chapel at Pearl Harbor,” said Cmdr. Joseph R. Primeaux, chaplain for the Pacific Submarine Force. “It’s been unused for the longest time for public worship.” The chapel was built in remembrance of all the submariners who died during World War II. The dedication ceremony on Sept. 10, 1944, was attended by more than 400 personnel, including Adm. Chester Nimitz and Rear Adm. Charles Lockwood. Religious worship services ceased during the early 2000s. Service members and veterans from various communities have continued to conduct monthly bell-tolling ceremonies, retirements, weddings and other services. But now, a congregation has re-formed at the chapel to share regular religious services. The new weekly services re-
The Submarine Memorial Chapel located in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was dedicated Sept. 10, 1944, in remembrance of submarines and submariners lost during World War II. turned Nov. 22, 2015. “It’s meaningful to me because it takes me back to my roots,” said James Gardner, an Air Force retiree and head usher for the new congregation. “It’s grounded in religious beliefs with an
emphasis on the service person. Attending this service has reinforced that background.” The chapel beautifully retains much of its former Catholic-inspired style through 13 stain-glass windows. Twelve
windows represent World War II submariners that began their eternal patrol during each month of the year, and the remaining window represents all submarines and submariners past and present. The church bell was donated by the crew of USS Argonaut (SS 166) before the ship and its crew were lost during a wartime patrol Jan. 10, 1943. Today, the chapel doors remain open to visitors seeking to pay respect to lost World War II submarines and submariners during monthly bell tolling ceremonies, or for those wishing to further explore their faith. “You learn about the moral side of life,” Primeaux said of the opportunity to visit for services at the historic building. “The things that make you a better person and the things that can even help you elevate your career.” The Submarine Memorial Chapel holds a special place in the submarine community, but the religious heritage, since 1944, continues to grow through its congregation. “I would love to see this congregation grow, become a full church, and walk in and see the pews completed filled,” Gardner said. Protestant traditional worship service is now held every Sunday at 10 a.m. For more information about the Pacific Submarine Force, visit www.csp. navy.mil.
Hunt Hawaii opens military neighborhoods to DoD, DoN, military retirees Hunt Military Communities For the first time, military retirees and contractors for the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Navy will have the opportunity to live in Hawaii military housing managed by Hunt Military Communities. To kick off this new program and give potential residents the opportunity to view one of their communities, Hunt will host an open house on Saturday, March 19, at 300 Lehua Ave., Pearl City, 96782. The open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a three-bedroom home in the Pearl City Peninsula community. “Many military retirees and contractors have told us about sense of comradery they experience with other current and former members of the military,” said Susan Ridgeway, Hunt Military Communities’ di-
rector of operations. “That is one of the reasons they’ve approached us over the years asking for the opportunity to live among the active-duty service members in our communities. They’re also seeking the quality homes and neighborhood amenities like playgrounds, community centers, dog parks, and swimming pools that can be difficult to find in Hawaii.” Applications for housing will be accepted during the open house. Two- and three-bedroom homes are currently available for immediate occupancy. All homes feature major kitchen appliances, central air conditioning, washer and dryer hook-ups, fenced-in yard, and either a private garage or carport. Rent includes water, sewer, common area landscaping, trash and recycling collection, parking, and use
of community amenities. The Pearl City Peninsula neighborhood is located along the shoreline and features well-maintained green spaces, mature trees, a dog park, swimming pool, community center and playgrounds. This community is located near Pearl City’s shopping, restaurants, and entertainment with access to the H1 freeway. A resident services office in Pearl City Peninsula assists residents and also regularly hosts free resident events like movies under the stars and ice cream socials. For more information about the open house and Hunt Military Communities, call Hunt’s Leasing Office at 839-8690 or visit www.ohananavycommunities. More information and applications are available at Hunt’s leasing office in the Navy Aloha Center.
Fe Salacup, leasing manager for Hunt Navy Hawaii, prepares for the March 19 Open House for Department of Defense, Department of the Navy and military retirees.
March 18, 2016
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SPORTS
PACOM/JIOC send Bulls crashing to first loss Story and photo by Randy Dela Cruz
Sports Editor, Ho‘okele When two of the top teams in a division square off, something has to give. In four games, the 647th Civil Engineer Squadron (647 CES) Bulls had yet to taste the bitter pill of defeat, but against the Pacific Command/Joint Intelligence Operation Center (PACOM/JIOC) the spotless season of the Bulls came to an abrupt end as PACOM/JIOC rolled to a 70-41 victory on March 9 in a Red Division intramural basketball matchup at Hickam Fitness Center, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The win by PACOM/JIOC raised their record to 5-1, while the Bulls now hold a mark of 4-1. “The main thing was defense,” said PACOM/JIOC head coach Marine Staff Sgt. Marques Nelson said. “We had to get out on the shooters. Once we started doing that, getting them to pass the ball, we got into our rhythm.” Tied at 13-13 after a three ball by Bulls forward Staff Sgt. Labronze Paden with 13:19 remaining before halftime, PACOM/JIOC went on their first run of game. Back-to-back baskets by 6-foot-10-inch center Navy Lt. Mark Veaszey capped off the mini-run at 11 straight points and gave PACOM/JIOC their first dou-
ble-digit lead of the game at 24-13. Then just before halftime, a steal and breakaway basket by Marine Lt. Col. Craig Palmer gave PACOM/JIOC their biggest lead of the game at 31-15. Even with the game in control, Nelson said that he knew coming out of halftime that the team would have to keep the pedal to the metal. “The main thing is that we had to stay aggressive,” Nelson said. “If we can stick with the same intensity every game, I don’t think there is anyone out here that can beat us.” While PACOM/JIOC’s offense was running on all cylinders, the team’s defense led by Veaszey and the intimidating presence of 6-foot-5-inch Marine Sgt. Mario Wright, was wreaking havoc on the Bulls usually potent offense. With the PACOM/JIOC offense challenging every shot from the Bulls, CES point-guard Staff Sgt. Brian Sanders said that it was very difficult to get the team’s attack off the ground. “We couldn’t communicate, we wasn’t getting back on defense, our zone was messed up, our man-to-man wasn’t good and our shot selection was terrible,” Sanders admitted. “But it showed us what we have to do in our next game.” With things falling apart for the Bulls, PACOM/JIOC power forward Marine Sgt. PACOM/JIOC kept up the pressure Mario Wright finishes off a dunk. Wright and within three minutes into the secscored 20 points to lead PACOM/JIOC over ond half, the team had build up its first the 647th CES Bulls. 20-point lead at 42-22 on a basket by
Staff Sgt. Trivone Curry. Curry chipped in with 11 points on three treys and basket, and was supported with contributions of 15 points by Palmer and 14 points from Veaszey. However, the biggest gun in the PACOM/JIOC arsenal of weapons has to be the rim-rattling play of Wright, whose thunderous dunks brought cheers from the team’s bench and crowd. Wright finished with 20 points with a couple of dunks that left the backboard bouncing way after impact. “He pretty much put the team on his back tonight,” Nelson stated. “Once he got the ball, he started dominating and that made it easy for the rest of the team.” Sanders admitted that no one likes to lose, but this was probably needed after the team was beginning to feel like they were unbeatable. “It is humbling,” Sanders said. “We came into this game real cocky. We started to think nobody can beat us and that showed us right there that we can be beat. That woke up our eyes.” As for Nelson, who has coached championship teams before, he said that PACOM/JIOC has what it takes to go all the way “We definitely have the potential to challenge for and win a championship,” Nelson said. “Players got to show up and hopefully we can stay injury free through the tournament.”
Medical Group beats Old Bulls to avenge loss Story and photo by Randy Dela Cruz Sports Editor, Ho‘okele A lot has changed since the 15th Medical Group lost a close battle to the Old Bulls on Feb. 9. Perhaps the biggest difference has been the return to wellness of retired Army Sgt. Rick June, who was banged up to start the season, but is now nearly 100 percent of his old self. June, who still managed to score 18 points in the Medical Group’s first meeting against the Old Bulls, fouled out the first time around and watched helplessly as his team fell by a score of 43-29. In the teams’ rematch on March 15, June sank a trey from beyond the arc to start the game and then reminded everyone at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fitness Center what he can do when playing fully healed. The Medical Group’s power forward plunked down a season-high 34 points to lead he team to a 59-37 rout of the Old Bulls. The win has put the 15 MDG into second place of the White Division, 30 Above League, with a record of 5-3, which is two games behind league leaders 647th Security Forces Squadron. June, whose departure late in the second half of the teams’ first showdown caused the 15 MDG to unravel, came out on fire this time around and helped the Medical Group gain a quick 9-0 lead. Later, another three ball by June gave the 15 MDG their first double-digit lead at 14-2 after only four minutes of play. The 15 MDG continued to pour it on, and just before halftime the team took a 20-point lead on a Staff Sgt. Jamaar Milner basket that made it 29-9 in favor of the Medical Group. June, who led all scorers with 15 points in the first half, said that after what happened in teams’ first game, he and his teammates didn’t want to leave anything to chance. “The last time we played these guys, it came down to the crunch,” June said. “A little iffy calls at the end and I ended up fouling out. We wanted to prevent that tonight. We wanted to go ahead and get a commanding lead and maintain that lead. That’s what we did.” In the second half, the 15 MDG kept up the heat by continually feeding June, who was feeling it from the perimeter and under the basket. At the 14:10 mark, June converted on a basket-and-one to make it 41-17 for the team’s biggest lead of the night at 24. By the time Staff Sgt. Tyrone Shannon dropped in a trey from the top of the key, it was easy to see that the Medical Group wasn’t going to let this
O’Kane guard Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Shane Robinson finishes off a fast break with a dunk.
Rick June battles for the ball inside the paint. June scored 34 points to lead the 15 MDG over the Old Bulls. one get away, even though there was more than 11 minutes remaining in the game. June said that before the game, he and his teammates decided on two factors that he hoped would reverse the score from the last time. Better defense, especially around the perimeter, was one point of their game plan, while the other was to just simply outmuscle the Old Bulls under the basket, said June. From the outside, Old Bulls guard Master Sgt. John Redmond was a huge thorn in the Medical Group’s side in the teams’ first meeting. Redmond popped in 14 points in the first game, but was held to only five points this time around. Meanwhile, June and company pounded away inside the block, where the power forward topped off his performance with 19 more points in the second half. As the team continues to improve, June said that he believes the 15 MDG will be a force come postseason time. With his injuries a thing of the past and other players starting to jell, June said there isn’t anyone in the division that scares him. “I’m not worried about any team in the league,” he boldly proclaimed. “When we’re healthy, we’ll beat any team — including Security Force and you can quote me on that.”
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Press and defense helps O’Kane blitz Halsey Story and photo by Randy Dela Cruz Sports Editor, Ho‘okele The backcourt duo of Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Jahleen Tabor and Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Roland Love led a torrid baseline-to-baseline press to help USS O’Kane (DDG-77) to a 53-35 victory over USS Halsey (DDG 97) on March 12 in an Afloat Division intramural basketball game at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fitness Center. The win was the fourth in row for O’Kane, which opened the season on a tough loss to Afloat Division leaders USS Preble (DDG 88). Now only a game behind Preble with an overall record of 4-1, O’Kane head coach Fire Controlman 1st Class Kenroy Edwards said that he believes his team is ready to reclaim the division. “In the Afloat League, we believe we’re the No. 1 team,” Edwards admitted. “We lost that one in the last 27 seconds due to a mental collapse that caused two turnovers. If it wasn’t for those turnovers, we’d be the No. 1 team.” In the O’Kane’s latest triumph, the team’s suffocating press held Halsey to only nine points through the first 16 minutes of play in the first half. Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball, O’Kane got a basket from Tabor with 4:09 remaining before halftime to take their first double-digit lead at 19-9. Tabor was especially hot in the first half, as he racked up 13 points on a trey, two free throws and four baskets. “I just did that to get the team going,” Tabor said about his outburst in the first half. “I just took what they (Halsey) gave me. I looked over their defense and took it from there.” While O’Kane utilized the press to perfection against Halsey, Edwards said that he instructed the team to pressure the ball only after seeing what
the matchups were going to look like. Turns out that the coach’s decision to raise the temperature from baseline-to-baseline was the right call, as the quickness and speed of O’Kane were too much for Halsey to overcome. “It always depends on what we see,” Edwards said. “We’ll start the game off and see what the capabilities are of the other team. Once we identify a weak spot, then we try to attack that.” With the team’s strategy working so well, Edwards saw no need to change, as O’Kane opened up the second half with a 26-14 lead. O’Kane raised the lead to 14 after a basket by Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) Fireman Jermaine Williams to make it 38-24. A basket-and-one by Williams with only eight minutes left on the clock made it 41-26 to all but lock the game away for O’Kane. Williams was among the team’s high scorers of the game with nine points, while teammates Tabor and Love chipped in with 13 and 15 respectively. Following the win over Halsey, Edwards, who is now in his third season at the helm as O’Kane basketball head coach, stated that while the team may have had a few shortcomings in the past, this year’s squad is built for success. “Judging back to last year when we were in the playoffs there were teams out there that we couldn’t match up with because of height or whatever,” he explained. “Now, I don’t think that would be an issue.” With a few more tweaks and some additional plays from the playbook, Edwards said he believes that this could be the year. “We still have a lot of room for improvement,” he noted. “We’re trying to get everybody fine-tuned. As soon as the chemistry is good and we get a couple more plays, I don’t think there are too many teams that’s going to stop us.”
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JBPHH to celebrate Women’s History Month Naval History and Heritage Command photo
WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) are shown in formation for inspection during their naval service in World War II.
Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam Public Affairs
Wo m e n ’s H i s t o r y M o n t h highlights the extraordinary achievements of women who contributed to our culture, society and America’s history. In honor of Women’s History Month, Navy Region Hawaii and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) will host events to celebrate this month’s theme “Working to form a more perfect union: Honoring women in public service and government.” Celebrated each year in March, the JBPHH diversity committee will kick off the event
with special meals at two locations, the Silver Dolphin Bistro and Hale Aina dining facility at JBPHH on March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meals are open to U.S. military, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and active duty family members with a valid ID card. The cost of the meal at Silver Dolphin Bistro is $5.55 and the meal price at Hale Aina dining facility is ala carte. The main course of the menu will include French onion soup, prime rib roll, and fried chicken at Silver Dolphin Bistro while Hale Aina dining facility will serve pot roast, rotisserie style baked chicken, and salmon with
Mediterranean basil sauce. Both meals will also include mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, salad bar, fresh fruit, assorted desserts and beverages. In addition, a cultural awareness observance will also take place at the Hickam Theater on March 31 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to recognize the accomplishments of women throughout history. The event will feature booth exhibits, opening remarks, a senior leadership panel, lunch, seminar, and a stress relief yoga session. To learn more about Women’s History Month, visit https:// www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/WHM.cfm
Tripler’s Brain Injury Clinic provides outpatient care for beneficiaries Emily Yeh Tripler Public Affairs The month of March is Brain I n j u r y Aw a r e n e s s M o n t h . Tripler Army Medical Center’s (TAMC) Brain Injury Clinic has resources available for beneficiaries who suffer from brain injuries. TAMC’s Brain Injury Clinic provides beneficiaries outpatient care focusing on education, consultation, rehabilitation, case management, and behavioral health support. The clinic also offers limited-stay inpatient consultation to those who qualify. A brain injury can happen when any individual is struck, jarred or hit on the head hard enough that they lose consciousness, feel dazed or become disoriented. Brain injuries can happen anywhere, to anyone, and are not just combat-related. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1.3 million people in the United States visited an emergency department with a brain injury diagnosis as an outcome. According to Dr. Michael
Navy Medicine Live file photo
A brain injury can happen when any individual is struck, jarred or hit on the head hard enough that they lose consciousness, feel dazed or become disoriented. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. King, Clinical Neuropsychologist, TAMC Brain Injury Clinic, “brain injuries are classified according to their severity, usually based on how long the person was unconscious or disoriented after the injury.” “The majority of brain injuries involve less than 30 minutes of unconsciousness and less than 24 hours of disorientation. Mod-
erate and severe injuries involve longer periods of unconsciousness and usually have more severe or debilitating consequences than mild injuries, up to and including death,” added King. Brain injuries in the military Between the years 2000 to 2015, the Defense and Veteran’s
Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) reported that approximately 340,000 people in the armed forces suffered a traumatic brain injury. The majority of those injuries were considered mild in severity. “For the past several years, the Department of Defense (DoD) and all branches of the armed forces have been very concerned about the impact of brain injury both on mission readiness and on the lives of individual service members and their families,” stated Dr. Greg Johnson, Chief, TAMC Brain Injury Clinic. “DoD has committed a great deal of time, energy and funding to improve education about brain injury, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for those who suffer from a brain injury. The DoD has also invested in research to find better ways of understanding brain injury and its effects, as well as improving treatment and rehabilitation of service members with a brain injury,” added Johnson. Use your brain to protect your brain Never take a brain injury, even a mild one, lightly. Seek medical care immediately so medical personnel can rule out
any dangerous warning signs and help the patients understand how fast they can return to normal activity. At TAMC’s Brain Injury Clinic, a multidisciplinary team of specialists work with patients to improve memory, thinking, hearing, balance, emotional changes, sleep, vision and to relieve headaches with the goal of improving function and reducing symptoms. “Most brain injuries are of mild severity, and most people will recover fully from them within a couple of days with proper care,” states Johnson. “A brief period of rest followed by gradual resumption of normal activities is usually the best care strategy. Follow the advice of your health care provider,” added Johnson. A more severe brain injury can have devastating effects on a person’s physical functionality, mental ability and emotional state. The effects depend on the extent of the injury, what part of the brain is damaged and what other injuries were sustained. For more information about brain injuries in the military visit DVBIC’s website at http:// dvbic.dcoe.mil.
March 18, 2016
MARCH HICKAM MAIN STORE HOURS CHANGE TODAY — Effective today, the Hawaii Exchange Hickam Main Store hours will change to Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. FMI: 423-7694. HELLO KITTY EASTER EVENT SATURDAY — Authorized patrons can hop in to the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange mall children’s department from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for an Easter celebration with Hello Kitty. FMI: 423-3287 or email stephanie.lau@nexweb.org. KEIKI FISHING EVENT SATURDAY — A keiki (children’s) fishing event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange children’s department. This is a free event for authorized patrons. There will be no live fish involved with this family-friendly game. FMI: 423-3287 or stephanie.lau@nexweb.org. BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY SATURDAY — Authorized patrons can enjoy food and games this year with the annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange Food Court lanai. The event will include glitter tattoos, balloon art, arts and crafts and prizes. In addition, the event will include a pancake and ham breakfast. The price is $12 for children and $8 for adults. FMI: 423-3287 or stephanie.lau@nexweb.org. BROTHERS OSBORNE 21 — The country music duo Brothers Osborne will perform a free concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Club Pearl, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and admission is firstcome, first served. No tickets will be issued. The concert is open to all military-affiliated Department of Defense cardholders and their guests. FMI: www.greatlifehawaii.com. TECHNOLOGY EXPO 22, 23, 24 — The Tactical Advancements for the Next Generation (TANG) expo will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22-23, and 8:30 a.m. to noon March 24 at the Lockwood Hall lanai, 1075 North Road, building 662. The event will feature hands-on demonstrations of emerging technology solutions influencing the future of the fleet. The expo is open to the Department of Defense community. No registration is necessary for this free event. The expo is sponsored by Missile Defense Agency AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense, Program Executive Office – Integrated Warfare Systems 1.0, and the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Command. FMI: Kathryn.moore@cgifederal.com or 571-283-9992.
PURSUING FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT 22 — A class on pursuing federal employment will be held from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Military and Family Support Center Hickam. It will be helpful for participants to bring their own laptop and a federal job advertisement from USA.Jobs that they are interested in. Registration is highly encouraged. FMI: www.greatlifehawaii.com or 474-1999. ANGER MANAGEMENT 22 — A class on anger management will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. at Military and Family Support Center Pearl Harbor. FMI: www.greatlifehawaii.com or 474-1999. PURSUING CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT 22 — A class on pursuing civilian employment will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Military and Family Support Center Hickam. Registration is highly encouraged. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop and a draft resume and a civilian job advertisement they are interested in. FMI: www.greatlifehawaii. com or 474-1999. WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH MEAL 23 — Two special meals in honor of Women’s History Month will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Silver Dolphin Bistro and Hale Aina Dining Facility. The price is $5.55 at Silver Dolphin Bistro and ala carte at Hale Aina Dining Facility. The meal is open to military, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and family members of active duty military with valid ID cards. FMI: 449-8059. HOP INTO SUMMER FUN RUN 23 — Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange has teamed up with Joint Base Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Defense Commissary Agency, USO and Naval Health Clinic Hawaii to make sure patrons get moving. Participants can walk, jog or run on the NEX two-mile inner parking lot course from 7 to 8:30 a.m. This is a free event for authorized patrons only. FMI: 423-3287 or stephanie.lau@nexweb.org. NAVFAC PACIFIC RECRUITING EVENT 24 — Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific will hold a recruiting event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Navy Service Center in the Moanalua Shopping Center building 4827, room 262. As the Navy’s shore facilities engineering and infrastructure experts, NAVFAC is seeking civilian employees for hundreds of opportunities in professional, administrative and trade positions. Jobs are available on Guam, in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Diego Garcia and Hawaii. FMI: call the NAVFAC Pacific Public Affairs Office at 472-1008.
how to be single
Movie Showtimes
There’s a right way to be single, a wrong way to be single, and then...there’s Alice. And Robin. Lucy. Meg. Tom. David. New York City is full of lonely hearts seeking the right match, be it a love connection, a hook-up, or something in the middle. And somewhere between the teasing texts and one-night stands, what these unmarrieds all have in common is the need to learn how to be single in a world filled with ever-evolving definitions of love.
Sharkey Theater Friday - 3/18 7:00 PM Deadpool (R) Saturday - 3/19 2:30 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG) 4:40 PM Risen (PG-13) 7:00 PM How to be Single (R) Sunday - 3/20 2:30 PM Zoolander 2 (PG-13) 4:40 PM Race (PG-13) 7:00 PM The Witch (R)
HICkam Memorial Theater FRIDAY - 3/18 6:00 PM Deadpool (R) Saturday - 3/19 3:00 PM Hail, Caesar! (PG-13) 6:00 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG) Sunday 3/20 3:00 PM Kung Fu Panda 3(PG) 6:00 PM Deadpool (R)
Ho‘okele B-5
March 18, 2016
Peak whale watching season is almost over
Ho‘okele B-6
Reid Tokeshi
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Morale, Welfare and Recreation
U.S. Navy photo by Brian Wong
Navy Lt. Mary Leone, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific Capital Improvements business line architect shares her engineering knowledge and experiences with students of the Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu.
Hawaii’s Navy engineers reach out to community Christine Rosalin
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific employees ended their National Engineers Week celebration by participating in a recent educational community outreach event at the Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu. One of the programs was “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.” In addition, this month is also Women’s History Month. “As an all-girls school, it was the perfect setting for the National Engineers Week Introduce a Girl To Engineering Day,” said Capt. Michelle LaDuca, vice commander of NAVFAC Pacific. “I was very impressed with the students of Sacred Hearts Academy. They were confident, they asked great questions and exhibited a strong interest in what it takes to become an engineer. It was a great experience, and I am optimistic that I will see many of these fine young women in the workforce as engineers of the future.” National Engineers Week was started by the National Society of Professional
Engineers in 1951. Its purpose is to call attention to the contributions that engineers make to society. It is also a time for engineers to emphasize to others the importance of learning math, science, and technical skills. “I was very impressed with the students I spoke with as they seemed to have a solid technical background and genuine interests in learning about what engineers do,” said Brandi Castillo, Capital Improvements structural branch manager. “It’s important to celebrate National Engineer ’s Week, because it raises awareness and appreciation for the work that engineers do to improve our lives and communities,” Castillo added. Castillo said she enjoyed watching the students embrace one of the challenging hands-on activities with positivity, creativity and determination. Other activities also took place at NAVFAC Pacific’s headquarters. One of the activities included a slide rule challenge, which was made up of several teams of engineers from various fields competing against each other. In addition, a trivia contest brought to light historical engineering projects.
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority website (www.gohawaii. com) peak humpback whale watching season in the islands runs from January to March. In the past, the giant visitors from the north have been spotted in the waters as late as May, but after March sightings begin to decline. Whales can be spotted from land on the southeast side of Oahu along the coasts of Kahala, Hanauma Bay and Makapu’u. There are spots along the road with unobstructed views of the ocean, and the humpbacks will at times travel close enough to shore. There are also many boat tours
Photo by Dave Matilla
Humpback whales are very protective of their calves and prefer the shallow areas around the Hawaiian Islands.
Easter service set for ‘Mighty Mo’ By Brandon Bosworth Assistant Editor, Ho`okele The Battleship Missouri Memorial will host its annual Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m., March 27. This is a multi-service event, with chaplains from the Navy, Air Force, and Army participating. The Battleship Missouri Memorial Easter Sunrise Service is a popular event, often attracting more than 1,000 people each year. Chaplain Cdr. George Mendes, Pearl Harbor Memorial Chapel, is
U.S. Navy photo by Tom Clements
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific employees participate in a slide rule team competition event.
available to help people get a closer look at the humpbacks. These boats travel out to the waters where whales are known to frolic. By rule, the operators keep a safe distance of at least 100 yards for the protection of the whales and the boats. The Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) offices at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam offer discounts on many of the most popular tours on Oahu and some even include meal packages. A list of current tours is available at www.greatlifehawaii.com. Prices for adults range from $27 to $70 depending on the package and vendor. The cruises offered through ITT are available through mid-April. It is advised to visit ITT for complete information. For locations and contact information of the five ITT offices, go to www.greatlifehawaii.com.
the lead coordinator for the event and will help lead the services. “We are holding a significnt service at a significant place,” he said. “It’s a sacred setting in multiple ways.” The Battleship Missouri Memorial Easter Sunrise Service is a free event, and is open to anyone with base access. The inter-denominational service begin at 6:30 a.m. and runs about an hour. Guests are advised to arrive by 6 a.m., and carpooling is encouraged. Dress will be crisp aloha attire. For more information, call the Pearl Harbor Memorial Chapel at 473-3971.
March 18, 2016
My Favorite Photo
Ho‘okele B-7
Pearl Harbor bike path cleanup April 2 Military personnel and their family members ages 12 and above will have an opportunity to volunteer at the Pearl Harbor Bike Path cleanup, which will take place from 7:30 to 11 a.m. April 2. The cleanup is a partnership of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam with the City and County of Honolulu.
Volunteers can meet at Best Buy Aiea parking lot by 7:30 a.m. Dress to get dirty. Wear covered shoes and sunscreen. Contact MAC William Matteson to volunteer via email at william.n.matteson@navy.mil or call 216-7190. (For more information on the event, contact Kathy Isobe at 473-0662 or email Kathy.isobe@navy.mil.)
Anna General, Ho’okele managing editor, recently took this photo of Manana Island, also referred to as Rabbit Island, located off Kaupo Beach, near Makapu’u at the eastern end of Oahu. Do you enjoy taking pictures and have a favorite photo? Would you like to see it featured in Ho‘okele? Here is your opportunity. Along with your photo, please send a little bit of information about the photo, such as where it was taken or any interesting details. Also include the name of the photographer and contact information. How to submit: send your non-posed photos to editor@hookelenews.com.
NEXCOM celebrates 70 years of serving the Navy Naval Supply Systems Command
While the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) can trace its roots back to the 1800s when Sailors had to depend on “bumboats” that moored alongside their ships to buy personal items, it wasn’t until April 1, 1946, that Navy leadership officially created a command to handle the necessary retail business within the Navy. “We’ve come a long way since those early days,” said Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi (Retired), chief executive officer, NEXCOM. “From bumboats and slop chests to a world class retail business, NEXCOM delivers what our Navy families need, wherever they are stationed.” Today, 70 years after its official establishment, NEXCOM provides oversight for 100 NEX complexes made up of more than 300 individual stores, 39 Navy Lodges, 134 ships stores, the Navy Clothing Textile and Research Facility, Uniform Program Management Office, and Telecommunications Program Office. NEXCOM’s mission is to provide quality goods and services at a savings to its authorized customers and to support Navy quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families. “While our look may have changed over the years, our mission and commitment to premier customer service has not and that is evident each and every day at each and every location,” said Bianchi. “NEX customers can expect to see us reinforce the important value of their NEX benefit during the month of April, in celebration of 70 years of excellence,” said Rich Honiball, NEXCOM’s senior vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer. “Our team is working on special events, products, and offers that I think our customers will appreciate.”
Photo by Chris Aguinaldo
Sailors and other volunteers help clean the area near Pearlridge during a previous Pearl Harbor Bike Path cleanup project.